Child abuse is one of the most prevalent and significant social problems in the world with over 3 million reports made every year in the United States. Children are suffering from a voiceless epidemic of child abuse and neglect. World Health Organization defines child abuse and child maltreatment as “all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.”
The five subtypes of child maltreatment are distinguished as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Child abuse impacts are significant and have far-reaching consequences for the child’s behaviors, relationships, family, school, community, and societal factors that influence the risk for violence. Therefore, , proper understanding and awareness is required for early identification, intervention, and prevention by the community.
Prevention Programs
The primary prevention of child abuse is education. Spreading awareness, sharing your knowledge, participating in organizations that tackle the challenges of child abuse, and improve the community around you. Even simple acts, such as sharing social media posts promoting prevention can help share knowledge and promote prevention.
Practice Prevention
● Participate in your child’s life
● Do not leave your child unattended
● Teach your child to use his or her voice
● Be aware of your child’s attitude and if it changes
● Teach your child crisis tactics such as knowing what to do when separated
● Be alert for premature sexual understanding
● Pay attention when someone shows abnormal interest in a child
